House panel revises Kan. sex ed proposal

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A House committee has made significant changes to a proposal that would mandate parental action before students receive sex education in Kansas public schools.

The House Education Committee heavily amended the bill Monday, changing the proposal from requiring parental approval before a student could receive the instruction to a bill requiring written consent before a student would be withheld.

Committee members spent 90 minutes debating the changes before delaying a final vote until Tuesday.

The change was prompted after a student in Johnson County reported that suggestive material was posted on a classroom door that her parents had expressly forbid her to receive in school.

Legislators said Monday they understood parental concerns but feel some students who need sex education won’t receive proper information any other place.